Soundtrack of My Life

"I can't tell you why" by the Vitamin String Quartet (cover)

For entry 20, a musical interlude.

Cover of the Eagles’ "I can't tell you why" by the Vitamin String Quartet



Original Lyrics ▼

Look at us baby, up all night
Tearing our love apart
Aren't we the same two people
Who lived through years in the dark?

Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can't tell you why

When we get crazy, it just ain't right
(Try to keep your head, little girl)
Girl, I get lonely too
You don't have to worry, just hold on tight
(Don't get caught in your little world)
Cause I love you

Nothing's wrong as far as I can see
We make it harder than it has to be
And I can't tell you why
No baby, I can't tell you why
I can't tell you why

Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can't tell you why
No, no baby, I can't tell you why
I can't tell you why

Another one of my favorite Eagles songs, but with a twist. The Vitamin String Quartet   does string covers of popular songs and they do them very well. They are also quite prolific, so chances are pretty good that they have covered your favorite song on the radio. However, I will say that not every song they chose to cover translates well to strings... especially songs that are musically simple (even if they're lyrically complex or meaningful). Which, let's face it, describes a lot of popular music. But, there are some songs that are much improved when composed as a string quartet. This one makes me feel all the feelings at once. The Eagles' slow, wistful, almost mournful melody and harmonies work really well on the strings.

I included the lyrics of the original song above to give some context, but I almost prefer it without the lyrics. The meaning is left up to the imagination and the sound alone, so the mind can wander to fill in the holes and create your own narrative. Because strings are so similar to voice in tone, they can still get the feeling of the lyrics across without the words. In some cases, even better than words can. Words can be limiting. This is one of those songs that takes you on a journey and then spits you back out at the end. And I think everyone's journey will be different.

Maybe I have a soft spot because I used to play the violin back in middle school. I have since forgotten everything I ever learned and probably couldn't even play "Hot Crossed Buns" on the violin anymore. But sometimes, when I hear things like this, I wish I'd kept up with it longer.

For those who have somehow never heard it, here's the original song  , which is just as good but in a different way.

Anni